In infants, physical development progresses in which direction?

In infants, physical development progresses from the head down, a principle known as cephalocaudal development. This means that growth and motor skills initially develop in the areas closest to the head before spreading downward towards the feet. For example, infants first gain control over their head and neck before they can sit up, crawl, or walk. This pattern is crucial as it reflects how the nervous system matures and influences physical abilities.

The concept of cephalocaudal development also illustrates why children will often demonstrate control over upper body movements before lower body movements. The progression is essential for ensuring that an infant can effectively interact with their environment as they grow, learning to control their movements in a way that supports further development.